The members of the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy on Tuesday marked World Oceans Day and showcased the ocean as a solution to a more 鈥渞esilient鈥� and 鈥減rosperous鈥� world.
鈥淭oday, we celebrate World Oceans Day under unprecedented circumstances, as the world battles the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated health and economic challenges,鈥� the group said in a joint statement by 14 countries including Norway, Canada, Australia and Japan.
The group detailed the economic and environmental benefits of the ocean that covers over 70% of the earth鈥檚 surface. It said it absorbs about a quarter of all carbon emissions, and captures more than 90% of the additional heat they generate, contributes over $2.5 trillion annually in value-added services, feeds over three billion people, provides a livelihood for over three billion people, and transports around 90% of world trade.
鈥淚t is also a source of renewable energy and key ingredients for fighting disease. And it can do more if we sustainably manage it,鈥� the panel added.
The statement further explained that "effective protection, sustainable production and equitable prosperity go hand-in-hand in a sustainable ocean economy," investments in which the panel recommended.
鈥淚nvesting in a sustainable ocean economy is an excellent deal: it has considerable benefits for the global economy, the ocean and societal well-being.鈥�
The panel, in its commitment to the transition to a sustainable ocean economy, is working on a set of recommendations to this end, which it said is essential for jobs, food security, healthy people and ecosystems, a low-carbon world, equity, and resilience.
By Sibel Morrow
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr